Nickel-cobalt composite hydroxide and process for manufacturing same

Abstract

Process for manufacturing nickel-cobalt composite represented by Ni 1−x−y Co x Mn y M z (OH) 2 (where, 0.05≦x≦0.95, 0≦y≦0.55, 0≦z≦0.1, x+y+z<1, and M is at least one metal-element selected from Al, Mg, and the like), includes: forming seed particle, while reaction solution having mixed solution containing metal compounds and ammonia solution containing ammonium ion supply source at discharge head of an impeller from 50-100 m 2 /s 2 , the concentration of nickel ions is maintained within range 0.1-5 ppm by mass, whereby seed particles are formed; and growing seed particle wherein solution is obtained by supplying mixed and ammonium solutions to reaction solution is agitated with a concentration of nickel ions being maintained within range 5-300 ppm by mass and higher than the concentration of nickel ions in seed particle formation, whereby seed particles are grown up.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A nickel-cobalt composite hydroxide which is represented by a general formula: Ni 1−x−y Co x Mn y M z (OH) 2  (where, 0.05≦x≦0.95, 0≦y≦0.55, 0≦z≦0.1, x+y+z<1, and M is at least one metal element selected from Al, Mg, Ti, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Ga) and for use as a positive electrode active material for nonaqueous-electrolyte secondary batteries,
 wherein, when particle diameters at volume integrated values of 10%, 50%, and 90% in laser diffraction scattering particle size measurements are taken as D10, D50, and D90, respectively, relations, (D50−D10)/D50≦0.25 and (D90−D50)/D50≦0.25, are satisfied and the D50 is from 8 to 15 μm. 
 
     
     
       2. The nickel-cobalt composite hydroxide according to  claim 1 , wherein (D50−D10)/D50≦0.24 is satisfied. 
     
     
       3. The nickel-cobalt composite hydroxide according to  claim 1 , wherein (D90−D50)/D50≦0.24 is satisfied.